The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Sidney J. Fitzgerald, Jr., United States Navy, for gallantry in action while serving with a Marine Battalion of the FIRST Marine Division in action against the Japanese on Guadalcanal, 13 to 17 September 1942. Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Fitzgerald, with no thought for his own life, braved intense enemy fire to treat casualties suffered by his battalion. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.